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  228 South Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314  ·   703-549-3312  ·       Give

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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Our History

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church began in 1809 in a small building on South Fairfax Street between Prince and Duke Streets. In 1817, one of the country’s most famous architects, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, was chosen to design the present church. Appointed by President Jefferson in 1803 as surveyor of public buildings in Washington, D.C., Latrobe completed the U.S. Capitol and the White House. An outstanding example of American architecture and inspired by the Gothic churches in Europe, St. Paul’s is said to have been modeled after St. James’s Church in Piccadilly, London.

On February 9, 1862, the Reverend K.J. Stewart was arrested by Union officers after failing to offer a prayer for the President during the height of the Civil War. A melee occurred in the sanctuary as the congregation attempted to defend its minister. On that same day, a warning was issued to ‘females and others,’ threatening arrest for offensive remarks and demonstrations prompted, no doubt, by the actions of several St. Paul’s ladies, including one who is said to have dropped her prayer book from the gallery onto the head of an offending officer.

On June 28, 1862, St. Paul’s was seized and used as a hospital for Federal forces until the spring of 1865.

St. Paul’s has consistently been involved in community activities throughout its long history. In addition to establishing what would become the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1823, the Alexandria Hospital was founded in Wilmer Memorial in 1872 and in 1914 the Alexandria Red Cross was founded by the ladies of St. Paul’s Church.


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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
228 South Pitt Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-549-3312

Office Hours:
The parish office is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m..

Staff are best reached via email or you may reach them via the auto attendant on the phone message.

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Service Times

Sunday In-Person Worship - At this time masks are optional for all in-person services.

The Summer Service schedule begins Sunday, May 29 and continues through Labor Day weekend, Sunday, September 4th.

8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One a traditional spoken service

10:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two Livestream available.

5:00 pm Holy Eucharist: Rite Two a contemplative service with candle lighting and prayers for healing

Monday - Friday

9:00 am Morning Prayer in the chapel

Wednesday

12:00 pm Holy Eucharist Livestream available.



Location

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
228 South Pitt St
Alexandria, VA 22314

Contact Us
703-549-3312

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Giving Our Time, Talent, and Treasure

For over two centuries, parishioners at St. Paul’s have given donations to support the life and ministry of this church. In a time when church attendance is down and skepticism up — St. Paul’s continues to flourish.
You make St. Paul’s the church it is today.

Learn more about ways to Give at St. Paul's.

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